Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Cosmetic Surgery in St. Louis, Missouri

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is performed when you have excess fat and tissue around your abdominal area that you wish to have removed. In most cases, the muscles will also be tightened to provide a more toned appearance. Richard L. Kofkoff, M.D. has more than 20 years of experience performing plastic surgery procedures. He has chosen to focus his St. Louis, Missouri cosmetic surgery practice on tummy tucks and other body and breast procedures.

[Read More ...]

Types of Tummy Tucks

There are two types of tummy tucks that are typically performed by plastic surgeons. These include the mini or modified tummy tuck and the full or standard tummy tuck. Dr. Kofkoff will choose, in consultation with you, the type of tummy tuck procedure that he believes will best meet your needs and desired results.

A mini-tummy tuck focuses on the removal of excess skin and fat from below the navel. The remaining scar often is shorter than what results from a full tummy tuck. Mini-tummy tucks can sometimes be performed without drains, leading to a faster recovery and reduced discomfort. It is often combined with liposuction to provide enhanced results.

A full tummy tuck is performed when there is a greater amount of loose skin and muscle and the need to tighten skin both above and below the navel. After the excess tissue has been removed, your skin is pulled tight and stitched in place. Dr. Kofkoff will also pull the abdominal muscles tight in order to flatten the abdomen and provide a more contoured appearance to the waist.

Many patients elect to use a comfort pump following their procedure.  This device helps to alleviate discomfort by delivering numbing medication to the surgical site for three days following your tummy tuck.

Why a Tummy Tuck?

There may be a number of reasons a patient may consider having a tummy tuck performed. Some of these include:

• Large amounts of excess skin left over from gastric bypass surgery
• Excess fat and stretched skin and/or muscles following pregnancy
• A problem abdomen that has not responded well to a healthy diet and exercise
• Sagging skin and reduced muscle tone due to natural aging
• Genetic predisposition to excess skin and fatty deposits

For more information, see Benefits of a Tummy Tuck.

Am I a Good Tummy Tuck Candidate?

An ideal candidate for a tummy tuck is in good general health and has made a reasonable effort to improve her abdominal area prior to choosing to undergo plastic surgery. You must also have realistic expectations for the outcome of your procedure and be ready to commit the necessary time and energy for your recovery.

Dr. Kofkoff and his team enjoy caring for patients who have realistic expectations and a strong desire to work with their doctor in order to become a full participant in the cosmetic surgery process. To learn more about tummy tucks in St. Louis, Missouri, please contact Dr. Richard L. Kofkoff today to schedule a consultation.